Can I Still Get Microneedling with Acne?

Approximately 20% of people affected by acne also deal with the scarring and uneven texture it can leave behind. Microneedling is a go-to choice for fading these imperfections, but it may not be the right move if you’re still experiencing breakouts.

At Florida Dermatology Associates, your skin’s health is our top priority. Board-certified dermatologist Ruben Moreno, MD, and our team provide expert guidance and care to help you achieve your ideal complexion without causing further irritation.

While you might want to start resurfacing treatments early, doing so can actually worsen inflammation and compromise your recovery. Here’s what you should know about the risks of microneedling with acne and how to prepare your skin for the best results.

Why you should not get microneedling with active acne

Acne occurs when dead skin cells, sebum (oil), and bacteria build up within the pores, triggering an inflammatory response from your immune system. You might develop pustules (pus-filled bumps), papules (firm red bumps), or deep, painful cysts beneath the skin.

Running a microneedling pen over an active breakout can puncture those clogged pores and pustules, inadvertently spreading bacteria deeper into the dermis and creating more acne in areas that were previously clear.

When your skin is in a state of active inflammation, its resources focus on fighting infection and not rebuilding healthy tissue. Rather than stimulating collagen production and cell turnover, resurfacing treatments like microneedling may instead stall the healing process and increase the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

How to clear your complexion for treatment

Before we give you the green light for microneedling, your skin must be calm and healthy. Our team examines the affected area and evaluates your symptoms and triggers to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses active breakouts and stabilizes the skin’s barrier.

Depending on the type of acne you’re dealing with and your specific skin type, we may recommend one or more of the following methods to clear your complexion:

Oral and topical medications

Treatment for chronic inflammatory acne typically begins with a customized daily routine, including medical-grade topical products and/or oral medications that regulate oil production and kill acne-causing bacteria. 

Professional in-office treatments

While it’s not the right time for microneedling, other in-office cosmetic procedures, such as chemical peels and non-ablative laser therapy, can help you achieve clear skin sooner. These treatments gently exfoliate the outer layer of skin, reducing bacteria and unclogging pores without the risk of physically spreading bacteria.

Lifestyle adjustments

Managing acne also involves addressing external triggers such as your stress levels, diet, and sleep habits. Even small changes in your daily routine — cutting back on sugar or reducing your screen time before bed, for example — can improve the effectiveness of your treatments and help you maintain a clear complexion long-term.

Resurfacing your skin after acne

Once your acne is under control and your barrier is healthy, we can move forward with deeper procedures, such as microneedling, microdermabrasion, or ablative laser therapy.

Microneedling is particularly effective for smoothing the uneven, “pitted” texture left behind by past breakouts. It works by creating thousands of tiny microchannels in the skin, which stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin to fill in indentations and create a more uniform, radiant complexion.

Whether you’re ready to schedule a microneedling appointment or need to clear up existing acne first, our team is here to help. Contact us today to book a consultation at Florida Dermatology Associates in Brevard County, Florida.